Tag Archives: Gladys R. (Foster) Yegerlehner

Roscoe – July 24, 1969

Letter transcription:

Dear Bonnie, Dave, Debbie & Kat [the feline variety]

I started making notes and stuff on the 17^th of July so if the dates seem a little off please excuse. We have our car and have just a few more than 300 miles or should I say 500 km. It runs well, the horn blows either in German or English depending on who it is pointed toward – more universal sounds. It smells like a new car (universal smells).

We met and visited with a Cousin Fritz Pyser, whose mother was a Yegerlehner. We will see her and possibly others of the clan on Sun. On Mon. & Tue. we will head back to Stuttgart to send the car to West L. We spent some time in Baden Baden – stayed one night there before going to Basal. Stayed in Basal 2 nights and now are in Muri, a small town near Bern. Right now we are watching a German TV “What’s My Line.” Seeing it is OK but it isn’t the same as hearing also (needs more universal something). Somehow I got on a universal kick. Just a passing fancy.

We were walking along the street with Cousin Fritz and we stopped at a store window. He was pointing at something in the window and I saw a little pile of where a dog had been. I guided Gladys around and he came so near cutting his foot (not really cutting) that I got a bunion just twisting my foot sideways and backwards in my shoe trying to guide his foot in the right direction. I never did look back so have no way of knowing the final results. I could write a story and make the title “The Case of the Scrambled Pile or Did He?” Another pretty universal sight was one Gladys & I saw on a street in Basal. A character who had had too much, was walking in front of us. He zigged & zagged. We were not sure of getting around him without an affair – but Gladys came to the rescue and pretended like there was something in the window she wanted to buy – in the window a shot gun & a pair of boots – anyway the trick worked. We didn’t see him again.

And speaking of sights – you should see the bed covers. About

[page 2] a 6 inch layer of eider down in a huge pillow slip like affair. The first morning when I awakened & still a little fuzzy I looked over toward Gladys and this think cover “sorta” balled up in the middle made her look like she was not 6 mo. pregnant but like she had 6 pregnancies all in one (I said I was a little fuzzy). I jumped out of bed to palpate and found she was lying on her stomach and the big pile was the down all in a bunch. What a relief? She didn’t seem to be complimented when I told her she stuck up that high in the back. What a sight!

As we were passing a bank just at closing time there were scores & scores of girls coming out – all in very short skirts. Surely those skirts had shrunk during the day. I just don’t believe they looked like that in the a.m. – maybe the girls grew during the day. Did we have to come to Switzerland to see no skirts? You dirty old man! (Omit the work old please). We did see several old Cathedrals in some of these old towns. Many of these churches were built before America was discovered and they are still in use today. Our cousin in the country told us his combination house & barn was approximately 200 years old and it looked & smelled every bit of it??

(much later)(one week)

Things seem to happen and time passes and this is one week late. We went back to Sundelfinger & made arrangements to ship the car back. We are not in Karachi – despite the hot & stuff we are very comfortable on the 8^th floor of the Intercontinental Hotel. It is fully air conditioned but outside it is only fully. The first rain in 2 years fell the day before we arrived. Now there is mud & dust where before it was only dust. Our airline Lufthansa furnished us with a car to get to the Hotel. It took us 25 minutes to make the trip. Needless to say they also furnished us with a driver. The streets here for the most part are not named or numbered. We contacted some people from the church business management and they showed us around town & some country. The streets are wide enough but some are very rought & the traffic is right handed. There is a constant water shortage, so not many green lawns but there are several trees. Like many of the streets in this part of the world there are people & more people. There are so many I’m sure they can’t all get home in one day. It takes two days to make it. There are some trucks, many taxi cabs, many camel carts, many just plain cars & lots of small carts with cute little asses hitched to them. Not the rounded & pink as you might think but they are grey & have long ears. Many of the stores, etc., have English signs. We were in the old city. Also in the Banking & industrial areas. Gladys

[page 3] took many pictures & I’m sure if one looks at those he will not be unimpressed with the conditions. However, the smells won’t show in the picture.

We were told by our acting guide that there is a minimum wage low for the skilled labor. They must be paid about 50₵ per hour – but no law for the unskilled laborer. Those people get paid approx. 35 to 50 centers per day., but for each job the employer must hire two men, one to work while the other one rests – so it costs the employer 70 cents to $1.00 per day.

Across the street from our hotel is a large building that does have a nice lawn & it is being mowed by 4 men. Three pulling & one pushing. The mower is a reel type and is approximately 20 inches wide. So one might say it is a 4 or 8 man power.

Hope you are the same

R.S.Y.

P.S. If John, Lea & Bob come while or after you get this it is for them also. The missionaries have given us the V.I.P. treatment which we have appreciated. I think they do not get as many visitors as some places. One of the family has a son and daughter going back to the States next month to attend college near Seattle. They have relatives in that area. Their oldest son was with us this morning. He had his camera and we both were snapping picture. The father had to park his car and get a paper from a government office so Dad and Jack (the son) and I walked along and I think we captured some good shots. Just hope the pictures turn out ok.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/19/roscoe-july-24-1969/

Gladys – July 11, 1969

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Letter transcription:

Written from notes taken in flight from Chicago by R.S.Y. copied for you by G.R.Y.

Hullo, July 11 – time unknown –

According to what our captain just told us we should be approaching the western edge of Greenland. As near as I can calculate it is about 10 PM E.D.T. It has been dark for some time.

I feel if I’m going to write I should do it today because we really have nothing to do but shift from cheek to cheek to avoid “tail bone trouble.” Our flight on good ‘ole Allegheny was uneventful. Left Lafayette on time and arrived in Chicago on time. We did have a long wait in Chicago as we knew we would, but after we boarded Lufthansa, the delays one hears about these days at the crowded airports was apparent. We waited approximately twice as long as the flight from Lafayette to Chicago. We inched along to the runway just like leaving Ross-Ade stadium after a football game. The captain kept us informed of the details. The plane got very hot – the air conditioning didn’t seem to be working. Reminded me of a certain Dr.’s office, at the Health Center after the thermostat has been rudely attacked by nurse with screwdriver in hand. Incidentally the plane is cold right now and I do feel very much at home with the changes. (My nurse is chronically at war with the thermometer.)

The plane is loaded to capacity and one hears many foreign tongues. How much more simple it would be if we all spoke a universal language? One can hear however certain universal sounds if he cares to listen – such as a belch, a laugh here & there and a shrill scream of a child now and then, expressing pain or joy or just plain “cussedness” (and off the record) there are a couple of kids in the seats just ahead of us who should get a “knuckle sandwich” if they do not stop shifting their seat backs from far back to forward. They are bothering my good composure. Their giggling, is also a part of the universal language – come to think of it a “knuckle s.” is also a bit of universal language when administered in the correct maneuver to the most advantageous location.

It is now 11 PM (E.D.T.) I think our dinner is over – had steak – shrimp cocktail – cream with nuts to top off meat. We have been shown the breakfast menu. The entire flight – not counting the runway waiting time – is between 7 & 8 hrs. & needless to say non-stop. Just about the same time as a working day at Student Health Center. So now I must get my nighties on and two glasses of water for my dentures – one for upper and one for lower before retiring.

Just heard another few universal language sounds, a couple of sneezes and a cough or two. I rather think in a short time the universal sound of a snore or two will be heard and every

[page 2] language knows what that means. There are many more sounds and a few smells which all languages understand, but just use your imagination.

Now it is morning “I think” – The sun is coming up at about 2:30 a.m. according to my watch – we are mixed up and that is a universal something. Nothing more exciting, except the little boy in the seat in front of me. He must be sitting on a pair of rubber balls the way he bounces, or maybe a Pogo stick.

Hoping you are the same,
RSY

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/16/gladys-july-11-1969/

Gladys – July 9, 1969

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906
July 9, 1969

Dear David and Bonnie,

Just hope those pictures get here before we leave, your letter came yesterday. Dad got the schedule rearranged for this week, so we are going to be leaving on Friday instead of Saturday. I asked the travel agency about flying from Boston, but was advised against that since there has been some difficulty with planes getting into airports. They thought we had better just leave from O’Hare. Dad doesn’t have to work tomorrow, but since July 10^th is the last day of the special rates for tours, all seats were taken, but we did get seating for the 11^th. The lab report on Dad’s skin was OK. His face has just about recovered and his black eye is entirely gone. However, he did have some discoloration for about two weeks.

We went to Champaign Thursday evening and to Indianapolis Sunday morning, since we had a long weekend. We wanted to see Mark before leaving – he has power of attorney for us and John and Lea and Bob wanted us to come over before leaving. I am beginning to feel like I am about ready to go. Have the bags just about packed and hope I have thought of everything we will need while we are away. Since it has been so cool here most of the time and I had a letter from the woman I have been corresponding with in Switzerland telling me that it has been cold and rainy there, I am taking two wool suits with me. I remember three years ago I was not quite warm enough while we were there, so this time I am going prepared. This morning it was rather cool here, but by noon I had the air conditioner upstairs on and now we have both on. It is so humid and since we are on daylight (Eastern – that is) savings time, it stays light here until about 9:30. It is eight o’clock now and the sun still has some distance to go before setting.

I am enclosing a copy of our itinerary for your information. We will write to you from time to time, or send you cards. I found the cards after you left that were misplaced on my desk. I had put everything on the basket behind the adding machine and the cards being slick, had slipped off and were behind the filing cabinet.

Sandy Corbin was married last Saturday, but we didn’t go to the weeding since we were in Champaign. Her picture is in the Journal-Courier tonight. She was quite a beautiful bride. From the account in the paper, it was quite a large affair. Had an invitation to attend a shower for the bride to be of Jim Johnson, Nancy Dickman. They are to be married the weekend after we return and the wedding will be in Michigan, so I rather think we will not be going.

We plan to return August 18^th, so we can talk to you before you leave about money. When you will need it and how much. Will you keep your checking account in Rockport, or how will you handle your money? If you won’t need it until after the first of the year, how will we handle that?

The enclosed letter was opened by Dad by mistake. I am sending it on, though I hardly think it would be necessary. It has been on my desk for some time. Forgot to send it the last time I wrote.

Love Mother

Ck. for $5.00 – the extra $5.00 is for something for Debbie’s birthday

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/15/gladys-july-9-1969/

Gladys – June 13, 1969

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906
June 13, 1969

Dear David, Bonnie and Debbie,

I am sending some vitamins for Debbie. Dad brought some he acquired from a salesman yesterday.

Have been so busy since you left, I didn’t even get a card off to you for your anniversary. I presume you arrived back home safely – how would we know since we have not had a word from you. By the way, send me Patriquins’ address. I want to write her a note and there was not a return on her envelope and I don’t remember the name of the street or their house number.

We really had about as good a day as any so far for our celebration on the 25^th. Last evening we had a hard rain – I was in the drug store at Wabash Village when it began to rain – without benefit of an umbrella. We had had the air conditioners on all day and this morning the temperature was 60°. I had to make a trip to town and wore a wool suit and light coat. I saw Sandy Corbin this morning – she brought me a box from LeBeau’s. He gave me quite a discount on the gift the people from Trinity are giving the Morin’s for their 25^th wedding anniversary. Sandy is getting married July 5^th. She is going into the Lutheran church and her boy – I should say fiancé is from Hobart, Indiana, and the wedding is going to be held in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hobart. I asked her this morning if they had selected their silver and they have – Gorham sterling – the most expensive on can buy. Also very expensive china, but surprisingly, Fostoria crystal. I looked at sterling when we thought about buying something for the Morin anniversary and found that sterling costs almost four times as much as plated silver. I asked Sandy what they have in the their sterling and she said, “So far not one piece.” One place setting costs about $50.00 so I think I won’t get them a place setting. I will probably get them a piece or two or something in crystal.

The last time we were in Kentland we saw the Janssens and Garnette was telling Dad that LaVanche T. brought a young man home with her that did not suit her Dad and he said you either get rid of him, or I will cut you off without a penny – which he did because she wouldn’t. She is staying in Colorado Springs and has two jobs. That must be hard on someone like that who has always had the best of everything. I haven’t seen Dorothy for a long time, so have no idea how she is taking it. She was so wrapped up in their child, I can imagine it is hard on her.

Just had a letter from Dr. Hugh Lormor telling me the person to write to in Karachi for a look at things while we are there. He also said he was sure the McGraws would give us a good tour of Penang. He said he was interested to know that I am Bonnie McGraw’s mother-in-law.

Let us hear from you – we are interested to know how your plans are progressing. We met a man from Stuttgart one evening this week – he is visiting here with his son – and he has invited us to visit with him while there. I think we will spend more time in Germany than in Switzerland this time.

Love Mother

(over)

Debbie made quite a hit with the Kentland people. I gave a redwood planter to Dad for Father’s Day. He wanted to transplant the orange tree I had by the kitchen sink. He was going to put in something so had to give him his gift yesterday.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/10/gladys-june-13-1969/

David’s Diary – May 19, 1969

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Monday, 19 May 1969

Up about 7:30. Spent the morning getting ready for the trip—had to write some letters, straighten up my desk. Alan Federick brought his parents over to say good-bye; wrote to Cambridge re: apartment. Virginia Bate was around most of the morning. Had lunch about 10:30. Shaved. We finally were ready to go about one o’clock. Strong winds + our car-top carrier kept our speed low; we stopped 2 or 3 times. In general Debbie traveled well—didn’t get car-sick. We arrived at Stoners in Schnectady at 6:15—230 miles from home. Good weather—mostly cloudy but very little rain. We had supper, Mr. Stoner and I went for groceries. In the evening we showed slides, saw Stoner movies—sat around and visited. Very weary; looked at Niagara folders; bathed, off to bed; lights out about 11:30. θ+

Tuesday, 20 May 1969

Up at 7:30. Had breakfast—loaded the car—heavy rain falling when we got up—kindly let up when we were loading the car. We finally got off at about 9:20. We drove through quite a bit of rain stopped several times for picture taking—including a shot of the site of the old Erie Canal locks. We ate lunch at a pleasant park along the road. We got to Buffalo about 4:30. Came directly to the camping ground: Miller’s Creek. Only 2 or 3 other campers in the area. We ate supper in the car, then about 7:00 head up on the road to see the Falls—several miles away the mist from the Horseshoe Falls was visible. We strolled around, drove around, took pictures—we found the Falls very spectacular—Debby seemed astounded by the Falls. Our drive ended about 9:00 back at the Falls; we took pictures of the illuminated falls; back at the campsite about 10:00—prepared for bed; this is written by auto headlight lights out at 10:40.

Wednesday 21 May 1969

Up at 6:15! Unfortunately a chilly morning. After breakfast we broke camp and got everything in the car, loaded, packed by about 8:30. Then got on the road back to Niagara. Mist was blowing from the horseshoe falls across the road—impossible to get good pictures. But we found a lot to photograph. Saw the replicas of the crown jewels. Strolled around the gardens. We had lunch on the grass in the sun near Niagara glen, headed toward Detroit—stopped to see the locks at St. Catherine. Unfortunately took slow rt. 8 through Hamilton to get to 401. Got there about 4:00—then straight through to Detroit—arrived about 7:45 our time (6:45 theirs), at the Kings [1]; had supper; visited; Mattijane’s brother + wife are here with 2 kids—a real madhouse altogether. Later in the evening showed how our slides; 11 o’clock saw moon TV pictures; bathed off to bed, lights out 1:12.

Thursday, 22 May 1969

The Yegerlehner Clan, Roscoe and Gladys’ anniversary weekend, May 1969

Up about 9:00. Had a big breakfast—all the household had breakfast together—quite a gathering. Spent the morning getting the car loaded—and shaved. We finally got on the road to Gary about 11:30—somewhat later then we had hoped. A cold, overcast day. But we were able to make a good speed—with the help of huge trucks which drew us along. We arrived in Gary at Paul + Marty’s shortly after 5:00. We unloaded the car, then had supper. After supper watched CBS news—Apollo 10 orbiting the moon. After this we all got in Paul + Marty’s car and drove to the ditch where their boat is docked. We spent about an hour or so on the water—but didn’t go on to Lake Michigan—too rough. Came home, had a snack, then set up the projector—we showed them our slides. They are going through a “boat” stage— + were very interested in some of the slides; off to bed, lights out 11:45.

Friday, 23 May 1969

Forget what time we got up. The morning was not rushed—rather leisurely—sat around and talked; Paul + Marty didn’t go to school—both of them weren’t feeling very well. The morning seemed to go fast; we got the car loaded and then got on the road about noon. Arrived in Kentland at Mrs. Myers’ apartment about 1:30—an hour earlier Kentland time. We stayed until after 5:00—Mrs. Krull, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Hufty came by to see Debby. We got on the road again and arrived at the folks in W. Lafayette about 5:40. Unloaded the car after hurriedly looking at the box of slides which had arrived. Had supper; in the evening we just relaxed—watched a comic movie on TV. I got several pictures of the raccoons as they came begging + were fed—Al + Gwydelyn. Ran the slides through the projector; off to bed; lights out 12:07.

Saturday, 24 May 1969

Up at about 9:40—it was good to sleep so late. One of the first things to be done was a trip to the grocery store for baby food; then I went down into the ravine behind the folks’ home to take pictures. A very sunny, warm day. It was a day of just relaxation; Bob + Lea + John arrived for lunch. In the afternoon I made a trip for film + postcards—wrote postcards to people in Rockport—had an opportunity for chatting with Bob and John. For supper we ate out on the patio—a delightful meal. Debby was in her playpen; Lea was pretty occupied with Debby; Lea had her third miscarriage last week. After supper we watched TV—some inane programs, but then The Miracle Worker came on—the story of Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller. During the movie we saw a telecast from Apollo 10 at hundred at 169,000 miles from Earth; after movie we showed our slides; bathed; off to bed; lights out 12:54.

Sunday 25 May 1969

Up about 7:30. Shaved; dressed; mother, father, John, Bonnie + I went to the 9 o’clock service at the Trinity Methodist. Home around 10:00. Relatives began arriving: Floyd + Ruth came after Bob, Lea, John; Mark + Family; Alma Hubbel. We had lunch on the patio—a nice day. Uncle Clarence + family were here for a short time. Posed for pictures—I was the photographer. We spent the afternoon lounging around, talking, relaxing. Bob, Lea + John were still here for supper; after supper I climbed down into the ravine with Dad. Watched TV—utterly slummed. During the evening we called Joyce Fitz-Randolph in New Jersey to arrange to stay with her on Friday night. This has been a very relaxing day—we managed to avoid feuding over politics. But also rather tiring; off to bathe about 11 o’clock. θ+ lights out before midnight.

[1] Rev & Mrs. Levon King (wife Mattijane); he was one of the ministers who married us; the other, Harold Hill.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/06/davids-diary-may-19-1969/

Gladys – April 12, 1969

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906
April 12, 1969

Dear David and Bonnie-and Debby,

Thanks for sending back the tax statement. We are not even supposed to receive that statement, because we pay our taxes through the agency where we make the loan payment – insurance and taxes are included in our monthly payment. I can’t imagine why it was included in your envelope, because we received a statement for our personal property. Someone was “asleep at the switch” I suppose.

This weekend we are keeping four young women who are attending a Baptist Youth Meeting at Purdue. I asked them how far reaching this meeting is and they said it covers the entire state of Indiana. This group (here with us) is from a little town in the vicinity of Terre Haute. They just spend the nights here and are at Purdue the rest of the time. The only meal we furnish is breakfast.

Last week John, Bob and Lea, Mark Shirley and children were her for Easter. We hid eggs on the patio and the children had a lot of fun gathering them. I had made up baskets for them and I am still picking up the artificial grass. A lot of it came up with the sweeper, but I suppose I will be picking up bits and pieces for a long time, but the children had fun, so what is a little grass on the carpet. We talked about our 40^th wedding anniversary which is next month. They are all coming back to help us celebrate – wish you could be here also – . We are going out to eat, because they said they thought it wouldn’t be right for me to cook a meal for all of them on my anniversary. I agreed with them. We decided just to make it a family affair. We haven’t been here long enough to hold open house for people here in Lafayette – I suppose enough from Trinity would come – but Dad seemed to think it was too far to ask people to come from Kentland – and besides I would just rather have the family.

After reading your last letter, Dad seemed to think you might get a Rotary scholarship, but it would be too late to get it for this year. I think the one granted this year has already been granted. I think you have to apply several months – maybe a year in advance.

Dad has gone to see an eye specialist – about the condition I mentioned to you some time ago. I think it is nothing serious, but the Dr. said for him to come back. I went back a little more than a week ago to have a check-up and was found to be in good condition. Have to have one lens in the glasses I wear after I take my contacts out stepped up.

The weather here is beautiful and we are enjoying every minute of it. Dad has built a fence where the canvas sheets used to be to give us privacy on the patio. He is also going to make a gate – to keep out the neighbor’s dogs – on each side of the house. We would rather the stray dogs would not come and disturb our wild friends. Last night the raccoons came to be feed while we had company. The Baptist girls got quite a kick out of seeing them eat. Dick and Nancy (the couple who stayed here while we were gone last summer) were here last night to bring us some grapefruit and oranges from Florida. That is where they spent their spring vacation. They borrowed a camper from Nancy’s parents. They also enjoyed seeing Al and Gwendolyn come begging.

[page 2] Received a note from the Loan Company today asking us to send them the tax statement, if we have received it.

Have much work to be done on my desk – would rather be out in the yard to enjoy the sunshine – so must get at it.

Love Mother

P.S. Last Sat. afternoon John & Lea cooked a Chinese dinner for us. Very good. We watched Peter O-Toole & Richard Burton in Beckett and fed the raccoons. Lea made egg rolls which were very good. They came for lunch and I had one of their favorite meals – beans & cornbread. I can just see Bonnie droal (?)

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/31/gladys-april-12-1969/

Gladys – March 25, 1969

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906
March 25, 1969

Dear David, Bonnie and Debby,

When going through my papers found I had brought some of your things home with me – Senator Kennedy’s letter, etc. Sorry about that. Have been very busy since returning. The following weekend we went over to Champaign. John had an Indonesian dinner for us on Saturday evening. Lea helped him prepare it. On Sunday we had dinner at Lea’s. We attended the Wesley (on campus) service on that Sunday morning and heard Rev. Richard Hamilton from Bloomington, Indiana, preach. In this month’s Together Magazine there was quite a bit about (in our Indiana section) about the Fund for Reconciliation and how the two Conferences are going about the job of raising the funds. Rev. Hamilton is in charge of the South Indiana Conference fundraising and Rev. Bjork is in charge of the North.

Last Monday a week ago I had to go to Plymouth to attend a meeting of the Division of Christian Outreach. Have another meeting next week with the Section of which I am Chairman – Social Witness – to get what we have to say ready to go into Conference Minutes. As I said to our associate minister’s wife – I wonder if it is worth all the effort – I set the meeting at Logansport – that is some closer than Plymouth. There will only be four of us so only two of the four will have a long way to drive – one from Mishawaka and one from Gary. The other member lives at Peru – just a short distance from Logansport.

Thanks Bonnie for sending the cuff links. They made quite a hit with one or two of the men – but the women all thought they were quite unusual and wanted to help choose for their husbands – saying if they didn’t wear them, the wives would. I gave each one a card telling what Beach Glass is.

Last week I watched the hearings on TV about the ABM and thought Fulbright got a load off his mind when he brought in Vietnam. Heard Proxmeyer from Wisconsin this morning telling about the enormous amounts being spent by the Defense Dept. which he thinks could be cut drastically. The Today Show has been talking about the subject of “Poverty and Hunger” and said that so many people have no idea how widespread hunger is in this “the most affluent country in the world.” I was in a meeting last week and was a little bit “shook up” when I heard some of the comments made. One woman was not in favor of the Fund for Reconciliation. She couldn’t see turning over all that money to an agency. Her argument was, “How do we know how they will use the money?” I thought about calling her this week after reading the Together Magazine and if she doesn’t take it, send her my copy. However, when people are like that, no doubt one article won’t change their thinking. Heard on the Today show this morning that the President of South Vietnam has finally consented to include the Vietcong in the peace talks. Wonder what kind of threat was used to bring about that sort of about-face. Also have been hearing former Sec. of St. D. Rusk on the Today program. After listening to him I thought, how could anyone in his position be so far removed from facts. He said this morning he thought the Peubolo (sp.) incident should just be forgotten as something that was unfortunate. In other words – when he was at the head – they goofed.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/28/gladys-march-25-1969/

David’s Diary – March 10, 1969

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Monday, March 10, 1969

A full day; up about 9:00, got to work immediately working on Fund newsletter. This occupied my morning; mother offered to take us to Captain Courageous restaurant for lunch—with Hazel Brady. We left here shortly after noon. We had a nice time with Hazel. When we got back home I got to work on the newsletter—it took more time than I had expected. Bonne + Mother helped stuff envelopes, fold, etc. When they were all finished I took them over to Mrs. Cooney. Was home around 5:00. Had a 7-Up, got to work straightening up my desk. Glanced through books for preparing for tomorrow. Had supper at 6:00. Bonnie went to the community chorus, I worked all evening on archaeology. When I finished that I turned to German. Had a snack—mom + I conferred on [Gumson?]. Bathed; off to study in bed 12:15; lights out c. 12:35.

Tuesday, March 11, 1969

Up shortly after 7:00. Shaved; breakfast; left at 8:30—taking mother to the airport. We arrived at Logan about 9:30. Said our good-byes and I headed for Flugman’s. I was there by 10:00. An hour early. Luckily he had the hour free. I left there about 11:00; went to Sears, picked up the movie-camera light—headed to BU. Arrived shortly after noon. Had lunch + a nice visit with Bob Peek. I was under the impression that archaeology class was supposed to meet today in Richardson’s absence (he’s in Israel!)—but we didn’t—so I did work on my seminar presentation for tomorrow. Went to Isaiah class at 4:00. Left during the 5 o’clock break. Was in Rockport by 6:30. Had supper, relaxed, did some work on seminar report; at 8:30 we went to Loyd Starretts home to arrange our wills; home by 10:00. Worked on seminar; bathed off to bed, lights out, 12:10.

Wednesday, March 12, 1969

Today we had cats hanging around the house; ours is in heat.

Up shortly after 7:00. No breakfast. Went to work preparing my presentation for seminar this afternoon. This took all morning—although I didn’t have to rush. Had lunch about 12:30, shaved. About 2:10 I left for BU—made good time—was there by 3:15—and found a parking place right in front of the school. Until 4:00, worked in the library. Seminar from 4:00 til 5:45. I didn’t get to give my presentation, since we ran out of time. Got some library books, then headed home. Stopped at Bussey’s in Gloucester to get materials, then came home—arrived about 7:20. Had supper, fed Debby, worked at my desk—wrote letter to [Rev Blaising?] in S. Indiana Conf. about my ordination. Very weary this evening; bathed 10:00—off to bed, θ+!!!; lights out 11:20; more θ !!!

Thursday, March 13, 1969

More cats around the house today; the cat should be pregnant! Didn’t get up too early—around 9:00 I suppose. Wrote letters to people at Gordon about organist; called Pamela Van Twuyver to see if she’s ready to be our organist again—no. Wrote to Mrs. Myers. When the mail man came we stopped to look at our slides—again a very good roll. We had lunch around noon—watched the live coverage of Apollo 9 splashdown. Shaved after eating. At 2 o’clock went for my doctor’s appointment. Waited for an hour—but I had a book with me. He took the stitches out of my arm. Filled out my physical exam form for ordination. About 3:30 I left; Dr. Clapp gave me figures on my eyes—we (his wife too) chatted about music + organists. Home before 5:00. Desk work; contacted Dr. Alton [Bymon] at Gordon about organist. Supper, CBS news. Looked at our slides again. Desk work; about 9:00 we went to Patriquins; home about 11:15. Bathed; off to read in bed; lights out 12:30.

Friday, March 14, 1969

Θ+ before getting up. Finally out of bed about 9:00. Had breakfast. Desk work, more phoning about organist, worked a little on Sunday service. I really didn’t accomplish too much this morning. At noon listened to President Nixon’s news conference—his announcement to build a limited ABM system—too bad he didn’t junk it altogether. Went to the church, changed wayside pulpit, came home, had lunch. Finally got a slow start actually writing the Psalm 110 paper. Didn’t make very much progress before we had to get ready to go to Burtons. We left here about 5:30. Ran into slow traffic in Boston; arrived at Burton’s about 6:45. Had supper, visited, showed out slides, played Tripoli—and took some pictures, two of a group of candles. Left for home about 11:00. Got here about 12:00. bath. Off to bed, lights out about 12:30.

Saturday, March 15, 1969

Up by 9:30. Had no breakfast—got to work immediately working on the bulletins—did phoning about organist. Margaret Kerr called me from Gordon—(I had written her), and agreed to come in the afternoon to see the organ. Had lunch around noon—after getting the bulletins all done. In the afternoon did calling. After working for a while on the service, meeting Miss Kerr at the church for a few minutes—went to see Esther Longley and then up to Rip Hannibal. Showed our slides at both places. Stopped briefly to see Barbara + Hazle Lord. Was home about 6:00. Had supper, helped bake pie, dusted off our slides. At 8:00 Alan Federick came over to see the slides; he left at 9:00. We had snack. Then I got back to working on the service, listen to radio briefly—bathed. We took several slides today. Very weary after bath; off to bed; lights out 12:13.

Sunday, March 16, 1969

Up about 8:30. Had breakfast, worked on the service, shaved—left for the church about 10:40. Service didn’t begin until 11:15, since we had to wait for the organist to come from the Episcopal church. 36 in attendance; preached on “Judge not…” took $2,840 in pledges for the Fund For Reconciliation. Home before 1:00; had lunch; went to work at my desk preparing for the nominations committee tonight—didn’t get too much accomplished—the afternoon really vanished. Had supper around 6:30. The nominating commit arrived around 7:30, the meeting lasted until almost 10:00. We discussed more than nominations; talked about the meeting this Thursday night to discuss the future of our congregation. Very few people are willing to spend the time necessary to keep the church going; bathed after they left, off to bed; lights out 11:18.

David’s Diary – March 3, 1969

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Monday, March 3, 1969

Debby is getting into sitting position well—and doing better at crawling.

Up about 7:00, shaved; while shaving phone call from Dr. Brown canceling my 9:00 AM appointment because of the snow storm. To be tomorrow at 8:00. After breakfast, I got to work on translating French. About 9:00 I got sleepy, so took a nap. Got up by 10:30. Worked the rest of the morning on the French. Took pictures of Debby. After lunch went to the Post Office—sent another roll of film to Mail-away and sent the Debby poster to Bonnies folks. Spent the afternoon after this on the French article—for the most part. Stopped about 6:00. Helped with supper, watched the news. 7:30 back to the French. At about 8:00 I went to Alan Federick’s apartment to check my translation. Home by 9:30—had a snack, but then got to the translating again. About 11:00 stopped to bathe while listening to the news; back to my desk for brief period; off to bed; lights out 12:00 —θ+.

Tuesday, March 4, 1969

Up at 6:45, shaved, slight breakfast; walked to 5 Corners, where Barbara Lord picked me up and took me to the hospital. Right at 8 o’clock Dr. Brown started working on my arm—removed two lipomata. He was finished by 8:30. Bonnie arrived at 9:00, so I was home early for a morning of study. Also took pictures outdoors. Worked on trans. French. At 12:00 I was in need of a nap and the pain killer was fading. Tried to nap, got up at 1:00 to fix lunch. After lunch worked on French. At about 4:00 the mail man came with our tent! Finally! Ordered more than 3 months ago. After we got it up in the living room, I got back to worked, finished the French article. Succeeded in napping from about 5:30 until after 6:00. Got up, had supper, watched news; desk work. About 8:45 Alan Federick arrived for dessert + to check my French. We visited; he left after 10:00. Bathed; off to study in bed; took 6 aspirins today. Lights out 11:50.

Wednesday, March 5, 1969

Up before 9:00. Had a hearty breakfast, began work at my desk trying to get clear in my mind the new church structure. Late in the morning Bonnie went off on errands. Debby became fussy, so I fed her her lunch, changed her, and put her to bed just as Bonnie got home (also earlier took some pictures of her in the playpen). Bonnie had purchased a board to cover the fireplace to keep Debby out. After out lunch I continued work at my desk, did more on material to show the decline of the church for a meeting on the 20^th. Late in the afternoon I burned trash + helped Bonnie stain the board. Prepared for the Official Board meeting. We had supper around 6:30—watched CBS news. A little after 7:00 I left for the church. 13 at the meeting—no opposition to the Fund for Reconciliation. Home by 9:00; had coffee, worked on German—Bonnie busy with patterns + watching TV movie; bathed about 11:00; back to German. To bed about 12:00.

Thursday, March 6, 1969

Wasn’t up too early this morning; it was after 9:00 I believe. My day was spent largely in preparing for this evening’s Bible Class. In the morning I worked on Habakkuk with the Interpreters Bible. We had a late lunch—weren’t finished until about 2:00—and I got back to work. Went from Habakkuk to Zephaniah. About 3:00 Bonnie went on a trip to Gloucester, I stayed home studying—Debby slept the whole time. Mother called to tell me her arrival time tomorrow; Fr. King called to tell me he approves of my paper topic. Bonnie got home after 5:00. I stopped to watch 6 o’clock news. We didn’t have supper until 7:00. I sorted + counted buttons for Bonnie while watching the news. 8 o’clock, Bible class; 7:00 in attendance besides Bonnie + I. Over by 9:30. Alan Federick stayed for coffee and consultation on German. After he went, worked on German; about 12:00 bathed; German in bed; lights out about 1:03.

Friday, March 7, 1969

Up at 9:00. Worked in study, trying to straighten things up. Debby was crawling around into everything. Worked on letter to members of the Wesleyan Fellowship. After the mailman arrived we had a late breakfast. Shaved, got ready to go to Boston. Left here shortly after 1:00. Arrived BU about 2:10. Got needed books, arranged to get refund check. Left for the airport shortly after 3:00. Arrived about 20 minutes before the plane was due—but it was delayed. Finally mother arrived about 4:40. I shot a few feet of film of her walking away from the plane. Got her luggage + headed home. Arrived Rockport about 6:25. Had supper—then Debby got up from her afternoon nap—during the evening we viewed slides, played with Debby, visited—took some pictures. But we were all—mother especially—pretty tired. Took bath about 10:30; off to read in bed; lights out 11:15.

Saturday, March 8, 1969

Up about 8:45. Had a large breakfast. Got to work getting the service ready for tomorrow—started working on the sermon. The mail man brought both boxes of slides—so we were delighted and threw them on the screen immediately. On the whole we were very pleased. Mother went to the beauty parlor about 11:00. After she got home + had seen the slides, and after I’d shaved—we had lunch. In the afternoon I worked on the service and made a trip to the church. Tried without success on the phone to get an organist for tomorrow. About 7:00 we had supper—I had finished the sermon. Worked on bulletins. At 8:00 we went to Patriquins to show slides + visit. Came home about 10:00. I finished bulletins—we listened to Tom Lehrer, visited, bathed; did more preparation for service; off to bed; lights out 12:55.

Sunday, March 9, 1969

Up at 8 o’clock; had to finish working on the service, and get the record player down to the church. Had a small breakfast, shaved, left for the church in the car about 10:00. About 10:30 I had everything set up, then took the car back to the house—rushed back to the church. A good service—44 in attendance—preached on Marion Anderson and played 2 of her songs. After lunch I got to work at my desk, worked on membership list; took it to Mrs. Cooney. Prepared Wesleyan Fellowship letters—this occupied me until supper time. After supper went to the church—shortly after 7:00—for C.A.M.P. meeting, about 9 went to see Roger Smith for his signature. Home about 9:30. Relaxed, visited, had cup of coffee. Wrote Sen Brooke for books, took pictures. Had my arm dressed; bathed, composed pastoral letter on the Fund; off to bed, a busy day—but got no studying done! θ+ lights out 12:15.

David’s Diary – February 24, 1969

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Monday, February 24, 1969

Up about 9:00. Breakfast, worked in Kenyon’s book on Late Bronze period—we were anxious for the mail to come—and what we wanted came: our first slides taken with the new camera—and they are excellent—movie came too. After lunch we decided to go down to Patriquins to see the movie + share our slides. Big snow storm underway; leaving Debby with Kay we went around Rockport taking pictures—even out at the end of Bearskin Neck. Back to Patriquins for a while. I came home to get to work. Didn’t get much accomplished. 6:30–7:30 watched TV while cutting up a piece of pork for Bonnie. Supper over by 8:00. Worked on archaeology. Snow storm proving to be major indeed. During the evening I took 2 photos out front of house—our post-lamp from two different positions. Worked on archaeology until 11:00. Watched weather report; bathed; off to read in bed—read in book of Esther—lights out 12:55.

Tuesday, February 25, 1969

Up at 7:00 to try to find out if the trains were running—not much luck. It had snowed all night—possible another foot of snow on the ground. Decided not to try to go to Boston. Went outside to knock snow off a tree to keep it from breaking—took several pictures. Bonnie joined in the fun. About mid-morning I got to work, reading Isaiah. Stopped to clear off front door area. It snowed all day—is still snowing at 12:30 9:00 AM Wed. Worked on Isaiah during the afternoon, stopped at 6. Watched news, had supper, got back to work on Isaiah. Jim Bussey phone in the afternoon. Newspaper reported Gloucester received 30 inches—and that was 9 hours ago. Trains had not made it to Boston: 10 ft drift at Manchester proved impassable. Worked on Isaiah (with IB) until about 10:00, got up to chpt. 24. Snack; German; bathed; off to read in bed; German; lights out 1:00 AM.

Wednesday, February 26, 1969

Snow, snow, snow! Up about 8:30—still snowing with high wind. Had breakfast, made phone calls to cancel the Official Board meeting for this evening. Called mother to tell her not to come tomorrow—she’ll come late next week. Worked some this morning further in Isaiah. After lunch I went on another picture taking trip—to Post Office and back—but no mail in or out of Rockport since Monday. Came home, built a snowman outside kitchen window. Inside a little after 2:00. Exhausted; took nap til about 4:30. Studied German some. Helped with supper. Alan Frederick came for supper—we spent the evening visiting—showed him our new slides, listened to records. He went home about 10:30.—still snowing + blowing—but worst is over—so we’re told! Bathed by 11:00; watched news; off to bed; θ+; lights out 12:00.

Thursday, February 27, 1969

Don’t know when we got up. Saw Alan Frederick clearing his car of snow, ran over and chatted very briefly—came back, had breakfast, then went out to try to free our car. Worked until about 11:00 when the mail came—first mail since Monday. Read Newsweek while having a cup of coffee. About 12:00 I went back out again. By 1:00 I had freed the car—dug a wide path out to the street. Had lunch, Bonnie went off to Gloucester to shop. Relaxed. About 2:30 I took Debby to Patriquins while I went to Dr. Brown’s office. He looked at the lump on my left arm. Will remove it Monday A.M. for analysis. I could have von Recklinghouse’s disease. I was home by 4:40. Bonnie arrived just ahead of me. I put groceries away, she went to Patriquins. Napped; had supper, watched CBS news; read in bed for a while—we observed Debby get into a sitting position alone. Bathed; off to bed—lights out by 11:00—very exhausted.

Friday, February 28, 1969

Didn’t wake up until 10:00 this morning. Didn’t get much accomplished before the mail man arrived. A roll of film came from mail-away. We had trouble threading it, and I rolled the leader back in the cartridge. Bonnie spent about 45 minutes in the closet getting it out! And we’re not sure if it got exposed. I worked at my desk, we had lunch after 1:00, and I spent the most part of the afternoon working on the sermon. And we took pictures today. Late in the afternoon Barbara + Hazle Lord came over. We showed them our slides + they had supper with us. Also late in the afternoon I walked down at the church to survey the snow situation; conferred with Homer Orne + others: we called church off. In the evening I called Indiana—letter came here today for mother. Made other phone calls, studied; Debby is getting better at crawling. Again today she manage[d] to get into a sitting position; bathed; read in bed; lights out at 12:25.

Saturday, March 1, 1969

Up about 9:00 or 9:30. I phoned several people about calling off church—then had breakfast. Off and on today I tried to read in Isaiah—made some progress. Stopped when the mail man arrived—he had a letter from Bob + Lea—they have agreed to act as Debby’s guardians in the event of our death. After noon I went after bread, went to the church to put the “no church” announcement on the wayside pulpit; lunch; back to Isaiah. About 3:30 or 4:00 we all three went over to Gloucester to Mals—bought a supply of film. Went over to see Busseys, came home about 5:30. Watched news—more snow on the way! Had supper, then I went to call on the Haskells. An elderly relative died—I will do the funeral tomorrow. Home by 9:00. Played with Debby, worked some more in Isaiah; bathed; θ+, watched news + weather; off to bed at 12:00. Got up to read by 12:30; to bed 2:40.

Sunday, March 2, 1969

About 9:30 was up. Had no breakfast, tried to study but was too groggy + sleepy. 10:30 tried to nap—but got up again at 11:00. Desk work—at 11:30 helped with lunch, watched weather forecast to see about the storm. While we ate lunch we watched live broadcast of President + Pope Paul meeting. Phil Parker called briefly to give me a list—names for Wesleyan Fellowship meeting. Shave, got ready to go to funeral home—went about 1:45. Only Mr. + Mrs. Haskell in attendance: the deceased was his mothers cousin: Miss Hayward, age 85. Home by 2:15. Worked at my desk in the afternoon; decided on paper topic—wrote to Father King. Helped with supper. After supper I got to work on the French article for my paper due next week. Bonnie went to visit Hazle and Barbara. I worked all evening. Bonnie home after 10:00. 10:45 stopped the bathe. Caught weather report; off to read in bed. Lights out at about 12:10.